International watch: Wilshere plays in England defeat

Jack Wilshere, Kyle Bartley- England u-17s 2 Russia u-17s 3

Jack Wilshere played 90 minutes for England u-17s today against Russia, but couldn’t prevent the Three Lions from suffering a defeat which means that their hopes of reaching the European Championships are very slim to play the least. Two goals in four minutes got the ball rolling for the Russians with Alexander Kolkorin and Alexander Stolyarenko both finding the net. England responded through Matty James on 45 minutes but Yuri Pugachev scored to stretch the Russian’s lead. Aston Villa powerhouse Nathan Delofouneso pulled one back for England but it proved to be nothing more than a mere consolation. England’s final qualifier is against Israel on Sunday, but after the game coach Brian Eastick admitted that it will have little significance.

“We are out of it. It might have been different if we had got a point but it’s not to be. This team has real potential so it’s a shame they won’t be going to the European Championships.”

Kyle Bartley was left on the bench, whilst Thomas Cruise missed out through injury. With Eastick himself admitting that the Israel game is of little relevance, then he may take it as an opportunity to rest some of the regular players and allow somebody like Bartley a chance to play.

International watch: Barazite on target for Holland

Read on for the latest international news concerning Arsenal’s youngsters.

Nacer Barazite, Vincent van den Berg-Holland u-19s 1 Czech.Rep u-19s 1 

Nacer played the whole 90 minutes and was on target as Holland under-19s came from behind to draw 1-1 with Czech Republic last night. Tomas Necid struck for the Czech’s three minutes into the second half, but Nacer’s strike on 66 minutes earned Holland a draw. Vincent van den Berg did not feature.

Carlos Vela- Ghana 1 Mexico 2

Carlos missed out through injury but is now back in full training with Osasuna and has stated that he hopes to play in all of their remaining games and help to keep them in La Liga.

TODAY’S FIXTURE

Jack Wilshere, Kyle Bartley, Thomas Cruise- England u-17s v Russia u-17s (3pm) 

England resume their Elite round qualifying campaign when they face Russia today. The 1-1 draw with France on Tuesday has left England in second place behind Israel. Jack Wilshere is expected to start the game, whilst Kyle Bartley may have to settle for a place on the bench. Thomas Cruise is likely to miss out because of injury.

Meanwhile, the England u-18s squad to play Austria at Hartlepool next month has been named. Jay Thomas, Rhys Murphy and Gavin Hoyte have all been called up.